DE102012220730A1 - Tubular bag machine with a Gaseinstellvorrichtung and Gaseinstellvorrichtung for such a bag machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An in particular horizontal tubular bag machine (5) is specified, in which objects (2) intended for packaging are conveyed along a conveying direction (6) by means of a conveying device (51). The tubular bag machine (5) has a device (50, 43) for producing a packaging tube (13) extending in the conveying direction (6) from a packaging film (12), as well as a longitudinal connection device (53, 54) and a cross connection device (44) for producing longitudinal and cross connections in the packaging tube (13). There is also a gas setting device (8) with an insertion head (80) for engaging in the packaging tube (13) transversely to the conveying direction, the insertion head (80) having a first gas passage opening (802, 804, 805, 807, 808) and at least one has a second gas passage opening (802, 804, 805, 807, 808) for supplying or discharging a gas into or out of the packaging tube (13).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a tubular bag machine with a Gaseinstellvorrichtung. The gas adjustment device is used, in particular, to remove air from a packaging tube formed by the tubular bag machine and / or to supply gas to the packaging tube. The invention also relates to a Gaseinstellvorrichtung and a method for adjusting the gas content of the packages for such a tubular bag machine.

STATE OF THE ART

In the packaging industry, tubular bag machines are used to package products in a packaging film. In principle, a distinction must be made between horizontal and vertical tubular bag machines.

In horizontal tubular bag machines, a packaging film unwound from a roll is formed around products or product groups which are fed in series into a tube which laterally encloses these products or product groups. Both the packaging tube and the products to be packaged are usually moved together and continuously by means of a conveying means in a direction which is substantially horizontal relative to the direction of gravity. The two longitudinal-side film edge regions of the packaging film are combined with their respective inner side to form a so-called fin seam, which can also be referred to as a longitudinal seam, and glued, sealed or welded together. Subsequently, the packaging tube thus formed is welded transversely to the fin seam by two mutually opposing transverse sealing jaw pairs and at the same time or in a subsequent process step separated into individual packages.

In vertical bagging machines, by contrast, the packaging tube usually extends substantially in the direction of gravity and the machine drops the product to be packaged into the packaging tube after both the longitudinal seal and the transverse seal of the bottom of the package have already been formed.

In the case of tubular bag machines, there is the problem that too much air is trapped in the manufactured packages, which can lead to bloated packages. In order to prevent this, the tubular bag machines often have suction devices, by means of which the air is sucked out of the packaging tube immediately before sealing.

For example, the shows CH 436 102 a device for packaging units of goods, in which air is sucked out of the packaging tube by means of a lance or tube extending in the conveying direction in the vicinity of the transverse weld. The disadvantage of such systems, in which a lance protrudes into the packaging tube, is that the lance in the packaging tube requires a relatively large amount of space and thereby increases the amount of packaging material in the packages produced. In the case of small and elongated products to be packaged, there is also a risk that the products will be displaced in the packaging tube on contact with the tube. With higher speeds of the machine, this effect is further enhanced. Further, in the event of a malfunction of the tubular bag machine and subsequent intervention by the operator re-introducing the lance in the packaging tube is relatively cumbersome, and there is also the risk that the lance will be damaged.

In particular, in the case of products which change their properties on contact with oxygen or air, a protective atmosphere is often required in the packings in order to increase the shelf life of the products. These may be, for example, fresh foods, bakery products and pharmaceutical products, such as, in particular, blister tablets. Accordingly, in order to produce a protective atmosphere in the packages, the tubular bag machines often include means for supplying a protective gas, such as nitrogen, to the packaging tube immediately prior to sealing. By supplying the inert gas, the oxygen is displaced simultaneously. Often, however, additional suction devices are provided to separately suck off the air or oxygen for supplying the protective gas. In this way, the protective gas atmosphere can be optimally adjusted, and it can also be prevented in particular that the packages are not inflated too much by the supplied gas.

In the CH 610 260 a horizontal tubular bag machine is described, in which immediately before a heated pair of welding rollers, which serves for welding the longitudinal seam, a flat nozzle protrudes from below between the two longitudinal film edge regions of the packaging tube. Through this flat nozzle air is sucked out of the packaging tube. Further flat nozzles may be present to provide a pressurized gas for establishing a protective atmosphere in the packages in the Initiate packaging tube. Roller pairs are respectively arranged between the individual flat nozzles in order to ensure a sealing of the packaging tube, so that no foreign air can penetrate into the tube between the flat nozzles or gas can escape from the tube. This design with a plurality of flat nozzles and roller pairs arranged between them is relatively complex and takes up a lot of space. In addition, the formation of leakage openings between the individual flat nozzles is unavoidable.

In the case of the above-mentioned tubular bag machines, the quantities of discharged air and supplied gas have to be readjusted each time depending on the respective package volume, the objects to be packed, the product distance on the conveyor, the running speed of the machine, etc. This adjustment must be performed and optimized by the operator by hand, which is a relatively tedious and time-consuming process.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a tubular bag machine with a Gaseinstellvorrichtung, which has a simple and inexpensive construction, and which also allows efficient adjustment of the protective atmosphere in the packs and also can be used at higher powers. To solve this problem, a tubular bag machine is proposed, as indicated in claim 1. In addition, in claim 13, a Gaseinstellvorrichtung for such a tubular bag machine and in claim 15, a method for adjusting the gas content of packages by means of such a tubular bag machine specified. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The term "gas" hereinafter refers in each case to a substance and / or a mixture which is present in the gaseous state of aggregation. It may be, for example, nitrogen or air. With a gas passage opening so an opening is meant, which is suitable for a gas passage of, for example, nitrogen or air in any direction.

Thus, the present invention provides a tubular bag machine, which is in particular a horizontal tubular bag machine, and which is used for packaging objects by means of a packaging film, comprising
a conveyor for conveying objects, which are provided for packaging by means of the tubular bag machine, along a conveying direction;
a device for producing a packaging tube extending in the conveying direction from a packaging film;
a longitudinal connection device for producing a longitudinal connection of the packaging tube along a longitudinal film edge region of the packaging film;
a cross connection device for producing cross connections in the packaging film, which extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal connection;
and a Gaseinstellvorrichtung with an insertion head for engaging in the packaging tube transversely to the conveying direction, wherein the insertion head has a first gas passage opening for supplying or discharging a gas into or out of the packaging tube.

The introduction head also has at least one second gas passage opening for supplying or discharging a gas into or out of the packaging tube.

The provision of at least two gas passage openings on the insertion head allows an extremely simple and inexpensive construction of the flow wrapper. The Gaseinstellvorrichtung may in particular have a total of a very compact design, so that it can be retrofitted as a simple connector in a tubular bag machine of the prior art. By providing at least two gas passage openings, the Gaseinstellvorrichtung has a minimal space requirement and can be easily arranged, for example, directly between two pairs of rollers. In particular, no additional pairs of rollers are necessary for sealing between the individual gas passage openings. Simple guide plates, which are arranged laterally on the Gaseinstellvorrichtung, for example, already sufficient for this purpose.

Another advantage of the flow wrapper mentioned is that the gas passage openings can be arranged in the conveying direction at random distances from each other. Thus, in particular, an air extraction and a gas supply in the packaging tube with any distance from each other, whereby, inter alia, an optimal control of the Luftabsaugmenge and / or the Gaszuführmenge is made possible. It can even be provided a plurality of gas passage openings for the air extraction and / or a plurality of gas passage openings for the gas supply to the insertion, so that the distance of the air suction and gas supply even during operation of the tubular bag machine can still be changed by only a part of the Gas passage openings for the air extraction or the gas supply is selected. Alternatively, a plurality of gas passage openings for the air extraction and / or a plurality of gas passage openings for the gas supply can be used simultaneously in any order. The Gaseinstellvorrichtung and thus the tubular bag machine is thus very versatile and flexible.

The insertion head is in particular designed to intervene in the packaging tube in such a way that gas can be introduced into or removed from the packaging tube substantially in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The first and the second gas passage opening may each serve both for supplying gas or both for discharging gas. Preferably, however, one of these two gas passage openings for supplying and the other serves for the discharge of gas.

Preferably, the insertion head thus has at least one third gas passage opening in addition to the first and the second gas passage opening. The third gas passage opening can be used, for example, for a pressure measurement or other measurements except for the air extraction or the gas supply. It is also conceivable that different gases are introduced into the packaging tube through the various gas passage openings. Optionally, gases with different temperatures can be introduced into the packaging tube through the various gas passage openings and mixed there with each other in order, for. B. to regulate the temperature in the hose. This can be advantageous if the gas warmed up in the finished pack subsequently cools down again and thereby reduces the volume of the pack.

In the areas between the individual gas passage openings, an optimal sealing of the packaging tube with respect to the Gaseinstellvorrichtung outwards to the surrounding atmosphere can be ensured because the side surfaces of the packaging tube or the longitudinal edge of the film wrapping film in these areas not several times by means of pairs of rollers first together and then again have to be taken apart. The tubular bag machine can thus be constructed in particular such that practically no leakage openings occur in the region of the gas adjustment device.

In order to achieve an optimum seal, the tubular bag machine generally has contact pressure elements, which are arranged laterally in the area of the gas adjustment device and serve to press the longitudinal film edge regions of the packaging film against the gas adjustment device. For this purpose, pressure rollers and / or laterally mounted brushes are advantageously provided. Particularly advantageous these are resiliently pressed against the Gaseinstellvorrichtung. The pressure rollers may for this purpose have in particular elastically formed outer surfaces.

In a construction with virtually no leakage openings and gas passage openings arranged close to one another, an efficient regulation of the air extraction and / or the gas supply can be provided in particular. For this purpose, the tubular pouch machine preferably has a control and / or regulating unit which is designed to deliver an air discharge quantity and / or gas supply quantity depending on the packing volume and / or the properties of the objects to be packed and / or of the conveying settings of the gas adjustment device Conveyor and / or values to be measured by sensors on the Gaseinstellvorrichtung to optimize. The currently supplied or discharged gas can be accurately adjusted with the control and / or regulating unit. With the conveyor settings, in particular the speed at which the objects to be packaged are transported and the distances of the objects to be packaged are meant. At a start, after an interruption or when the machine is stopped or the conveying speed is changed during operation, the controller can continuously adapt the air suction and / or the gas supply to the changing conveying speed. The sensors which are advantageously close to or, in particular, advantageously mounted directly on the introduction head of the gas adjustment device can be, for example, pressure sensors or sensors which measure the oxygen content in the packaging tube. For example, ultrasonic sensors or optical sensors may be present. By arranging a sensor near or directly at the insertion head in the region of the gas passage openings, the distances over which the gas has to be transported from the packaging tube to the sensor can be reduced, which enables a quick and accurate measurement. A rapid measurement in this context means, in particular, that during the time until the measurement result with respect to a particular package is established, fewer than 12 packages, preferably less than 6 packages, more preferably less than 3 packages are produced. The machine speed is advantageously at least 50 packs per minute, more preferably at least 150 packs per minute, and most advantageously at least 200 packs per minute. Advantageously, the control is set such that the amount of supplied gas as close as possible corresponds to the actual amount of gas required for the packs. The protective atmosphere in the Packs can thus be adjusted in a highly efficient manner.

Of course, a tubular bag machine may also have two or more such Gaseinstellvorrichtungen, between which in the conveying direction in particular in each case a seal can be done by means of pairs of rollers.

As conveying means for the feeding of the objects usually a chain is used with drivers, each driver transported one or more objects and passes at the point in the packaging tube, where it is formed. But there are also other conveyors conceivable, such. B. a variety of magnetically driven linear motors, which transport the objects. As a conveyor for the packaging tube with the objects therein usually arranged below a tread roller pairs are used, which are pressed against the longitudinal side foil edge regions opposite. The tread usually has a longitudinal slot for receiving the longitudinal film edge regions of the packaging film.

The longitudinal connection device may in particular be a longitudinal sealing device, which as a rule has heatable pairs of rollers. In the case of the longitudinal connection of the packaging tube, the two film edge regions of the packaging film which are superposed on one another with their inner side are usually connected to one another by means of the longitudinal connection device. The person skilled in the art, the resulting compound under the names "Finseal" or "Flossennaht" known. Also, "lapseal" or "overlap seams" are known, in which the inside of the one film edge region are placed over the outside of the other film edge region and thus joined together. The longitudinal connection device can in principle be designed for the production of finseal or also for the production of lapseal connections.

The cross-connection device can be, in particular, a rotating or revolving transverse sealing device known to the person skilled in the art, which, for example, has opposable heatable jaws which can be pressed against the packaging tube. Advantageously, the cross-connection device has a known from the prior art separation device, such as cutting or crushing knife, which are intended to separate the packages in the region of the cross-connections from each other.

Advantageously, the longitudinal / transverse connecting device is designed as a longitudinal / transverse sealing device. Under a sealing device is usually understood a device which connects two layers of material by applying pressure and / or heat. The sealing device seals the packaging tube by sealing elements compressing the film edge regions from opposite sides of the packaging tube. The film edge regions can preferably have sealing layers which promote bonding of the material layers. Preferably, the sealing elements are heated and in addition to pressure heat to the film layers. Other methods are known which promote the sealing of the film layers, such as, for example, the application of high-frequency vibrations to the sealing jaws (ultrasonic sealing).

As a rule, the insertion head has a longitudinal direction extending in the conveying direction, and the second gas passage opening is arranged longitudinally below the first gas passage opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the insertion head has a first uninterrupted abutment surface and a second uninterrupted abutment surface, the first abutment surface for abutting a first side surface of the packaging tube and the second abutment surface for abutment with a second side surface of the packaging tube opposite the first side surface the first gas passage opening and the second gas passage opening are arranged between these two uninterrupted abutment surfaces. The abutment surfaces may each, but need not, be formed as a plane.

Advantageously, the insertion head has a main portion within which the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface extend substantially parallel to one another. The first gas passage opening and the second gas passage opening are then advantageously arranged in this main section. A close concern of the side surfaces of the packaging tube in the gas passage opening is ensured.

Preferably, the insertion head has a first wedge-shaped section, within which the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface approach one another in the conveying direction or in the longitudinal direction in a wedge shape. This first wedge-shaped section is advantageously arranged between two rollers of the longitudinal connection device, which serve for sealing the longitudinal film edge regions of the packaging film. The side surfaces of the packaging tube can be brought together again after passing through the area with the gas passage openings and avoiding leakage openings.

In addition, the insertion head preferably additionally or additionally has a second wedge-shaped section, within which the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface approach each other in a wedge shape in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction or counter to the conveying direction. A slow spreading of the longitudinal film edge regions of the packaging film in the conveying direction can be achieved without leakage openings occur. Of course, the gas passage openings can also be arranged in the areas of the first and / or second wedge-shaped section.

If a main section with parallel abutment surfaces and / or a first wedge-shaped section and / or a second wedge-shaped section are present, the transitions of the first and the second abutment surface between these sections are preferably configured to be continuous. Of course, the transition regions can also be formed by means of an edge. Preferably, a gas passage opening is arranged within the first and / or the second wedge-shaped section. This gas passage opening is particularly suitable for measuring the gas properties, since it can be arranged directly in the region of the longitudinal and / or cross-connection device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first gas passage opening and / or the second gas passage opening is formed as a slot, which has a substantially greater extent in the longitudinal direction of the insertion than perpendicular to it. Advantageously, the extension of the slot in the longitudinal direction of the insertion, so in the conveying direction, even greater by a multiple than perpendicular thereto. Preferably, the slot has a width between 1 mm and 20 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm. Preferably, the slot has a length between 10 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 50 mm. The gas passage opening can thereby be adapted to the shape and the movement of the packaging tube in the tubular bag machine, whereby a more efficient guest setting is achieved.

Usually, the Gaseinstellvorrichtung has at least one connecting piece, which is connected to the first gas passage opening or with the second gas passage opening, and which serves for connecting a Gaszuführ- or Gasabführeinrichtung. This connecting piece then preferably extends outwards substantially perpendicularly to the first lateral abutment surface and / or to the second lateral abutment surface. Particularly preferably, the connection piece extends outwards in a direction pointing horizontally and perpendicular to the conveying direction. The connection of vacuum lines, Gaszüführleitungen and / or measuring lines to the Gaseinstellvorrichtung is facilitated. Preferably, a separate connection piece is provided for each of the gas passage openings. But it is also conceivable that a single connection piece is connected to two or more gas passage openings. Furthermore, the Gaseinstellvorrichtung also have a control valve with which the gas supply and / or discharge can be controlled directly.

Preferably, the first gas passage opening, which is advantageously arranged in the conveying direction in front of the second gas passage opening, for sucking gas from the packaging tube and is in particular limited by an orifice structure, which is uneven in the mouth direction of the first gas passage opening. The mouth structure can be configured in particular corrugated. Such an orifice structure prevents the objects to be packaged from being attracted by the vacuum to the gas passage opening and sealing them laterally as a result, which would impair the suction of the air or gas from the packaging tube and could even lead to snagging of the objects at the gas passage opening , A gas passage opening serving for the gas supply can also be delimited by an orifice structure which is uneven and in particular wavy in the direction of the opening in order to ensure gassing even in the moment in which the object to be packaged is located directly above the opening.

Advantageously, the insertion head has a continuous or uninterrupted, essentially flat mouth surface, within which both the first gas passage opening and the second gas passage opening and in particular, if present, further gas passage openings open outwards. The air extraction and the gas supply can be done in the same plane.

Preferably, the first and / or the second gas passage opening extend in their mouth region in each case in a longitudinally inclined angle relative to the mouth surface. Thus, especially in gas supply openings, the gas flow direction into the packaging tube can be influenced.

It is also a Gaseinstellvorrichtung for a tubular bag machine, which is designed as stated above, indicated. The Gaseinstellvorrichtung serves to adjust the gas content of packages, which are produced by means of the tubular bag machine from a packaging tube. The gas adjustment device has an insertion head for laterally engaging in the packaging tube, wherein the insertion head has a first gas passage opening and at least one second gas passage opening for supplying or discharging a gas into or out of the packaging tube. The insertion head is thus designed to engage in the packaging tube substantially transversely to the conveying direction.

Advantageously, the insertion head on abutment surfaces for conditioning of side surfaces of the packaging tube, wherein the abutment surfaces extend continuously over approximately the entire length of the insertion head. It is even possible that the insertion head is integrally formed as a whole.

There is also provided a method for adjusting the gas content of packages, which are produced by means of a tubular bag machine, which is designed in particular as stated above, from a conveyed in a conveying direction packaging tube, wherein discharged through a formed on the packaging tube side opening gas from the packaging tube at the same time gas is introduced into the packaging tube through the same lateral opening.

When the machine is restarted, gas is preferably first introduced in an increased quantity through the gas inlet openings into the packaging tube, before the actual production of the packages then begins. As a result, the oxygen contained in the packaging tube can be displaced. Optionally, at the same time air can be sucked through a further gas passage opening. After a preset time or when the gas measurement provides a tolerable measurement result, the machine preferably begins automatically with the production of the packs. Particularly preferably, only gas is alternately sucked off after starting the engine for a short time intervals and only gas is supplied. This can be done in particular until the gas measurement delivers a tolerable measurement result. Subsequently, the machine advantageously begins automatically with the production of packages.

During a brief interruption of packing, the gas supply and / or exhaust is advantageously maintained (eg, for a certain time and / or until the operating state of the engine changes) to prevent the packaging hose from re-using a type of gas curtain filled with air. To save gas, while a reduced amount of gas can be added and removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

1 a perspective view of a horizontal flow wrapper according to the prior art;

2 a side view of a schematically illustrated, according to the invention horizontal tubular bag machine;

3 a floor plan in the 2 illustrated bagging machine;

4 a partial perspective view of a tubular bag machine according to the invention with Gaseinstellvorrichtung, wherein the tread and the packaging film are omitted;

5 a cross-sectional view of a schematically illustrated, according to the invention tubular bag machine in a transverse to the conveying direction of the tubular bag machine extending plane;

6 a perspective view of the in the 4 shown gas adjustment device according to the invention;

7 a sectional view in the plane VII-VII of the in 6 shown Gaseinstellvorrichtung;

8th a sectional view in the plane VIII-VIII of the in 6 shown Gaseinstellvorrichtung;

9 a sectional view in the plane IX-IX of the in 8th shown Gaseinstellvorrichtung; such as

10 a sectional view in the plane XX of the in the 8th shown Gaseinstellvorrichtung.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the 1 is a horizontal flow wrapper 4 represented as well known in the prior art. As packaging material 1 has the flow wrapper 4 a roll of film 10 on which a packaging film 12 contains.

The flow wrapper 4 has a machine frame 40 with it attached Operating and display elements 42 on. On top of the flow wrapper 4 is a tread 400 provided, which has a longitudinal slot 401 having. This longitudinal slot 401 serves to receive the longitudinal side edge portions of the film formed to a packaging tube packaging film 12 during transport of the objects to be packaged along the longitudinal direction of the tread 400 , The in the 1 illustrated tubular bag machine 4 also has a not visible here, below the tread 400 arranged longitudinal connection device and a Querverbindungs- and separating device 44 on, which in a known manner the packaging tube 13 welded transversely to the conveying direction between the objects to be packaged and separated into individual packages. In the cross connection and separation device 44 In the present case, this is a follower cross connection and disconnection device 44 of the prior art, which runs along to the production of a transverse connection in each case over a certain distance in the conveying direction with the packaging tube.

The gas adjusting device according to the invention, as will be described below, is readily apparent in the 1 shown tubular bag machines of the prior art used.

The 2 and 3 show schematically a flow wrapper according to the invention 5 , Components or components which have a similar effect or fulfill the same function as the corresponding in the 1 Components shown are each given the same reference numerals.

As usual in horizontal tubular bag machines of the prior art, is also in the in the 2 and 3 shown tubular bag machine 5 by means of a folding box 43 from one on a roll of film 10 wrapped packaging film 12 a packaging tube 13 formed, which objects to be packaged 2 in series by means of a conveyor chain 51 along a conveying direction (arrow 6 ) into the folding box 43 be transported in, laterally, that is transverse to the conveying direction, encloses. For the transport of objects 2 has the conveyor chain 51 takeaway 510 on. The packaging film 12 is via pulleys 50 the folding box 43 fed. On the bottom of the objects to be packed 2 become the two longitudinal foil edge areas 120 the packaging film 12 brought together so that they rest each with their inner side together and finally form a fin seam.

Along with the help of the arrow 6 specified delivery direction is the packaging tube 13 together with the objects to be packed 2 an unheated pair of roles 52 which feeds the two longitudinal film edge areas 120 the packaging film 12 pressed against each other from opposite directions to the packaging tube 13 seal laterally or downwards. Immediately following the unheated pair of rolls 52 is in the conveying direction 6 a gas adjusting device 8th arranged, which with a Einführkopf 80 from below, between the two longitudinal film edge areas 120 the packaging film 12 in a lateral opening of the packaging tube 13 protrudes. The gas adjusting device protrudes 8th preferably so far in the packaging tube 13 into it, that the top of the tread 400 essentially with the top of the Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th is almost flush.

In conveying direction 6 immediately following the Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th is a first heated pair of rollers 53 arranged, which the two longitudinal side edge portions 120 of the packaging tube 13 sealingly pressed against each other and heats up so that they are welded together. The pairs of roles 52 and 53 are in particular so directly before or after the Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th arranged that an escape and / or penetration of air from or into the packaging tube 13 in the area between the Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th and the role pair 52 respectively. 53 is prevented. In the area of the gas adjustment device 8th are lateral contact elements 56 (please refer 3 and 5 ) provided to the longitudinal side edge portions of the film 120 the packaging film 12 from opposite sides to the Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th to press. As pressing elements 56 are, for example, as in the 3 shown, pairs of rollers with preferably elastically formed outer surfaces conceivable. The pressing elements 56 serve in particular to the packaging tube 13 opposite the Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th seal to the outside.

In conveying direction 6 below to the heated pair of rollers 53 is below the tread 400 a preheater 57 arranged, which the packaging tube 13 preheated to an elevated and suitable for the final sealing temperature. By means of a subsequent second heated pair of rollers 54 Finally, the fin seam is finally welded. The heated roller pairs 53 and 54 as well as the preheating 57 thus together form a longitudinal connection device. The pairs of roles 52 . 53 and 54 but also represent a conveyor to the packaging tube 13 and thus the objects to be packed 2 to convey along the conveying direction.

Subsequently to the longitudinal connection device 53 . 54 and 57 is in the conveying direction 6 a here rotating Querverbindungs- and separating device 44 provided, which opposite arranged, rotating waves 440 and 441 with attached cheeks 442 and 443 having. knife 444 , each on the cheeks 442 and 443 are attached, serve to cut the packaging tube 13 transverse to the conveying direction 6 , This will be packs 3 formed in the conveying direction 6 following the cross connection and separation device 44 from a conveyor belt 55 be recorded for further processing.

As it is from the 2 can be seen, the bagger 5 a vacuum pump 93 on, which for sucking air from the packaging tube 13 through the gas adjustment device 8th through and via a vacuum line 90 serves. To create a protective atmosphere in the packages 3 is a fumigation device 94 provided with a gas conveyor or fan to a corresponding gas, in particular nitrogen, via a gas supply line 91 and by the gas adjusting device 8th in the packaging tube 13 initiate.

Especially in the conveying direction 6 Rearmost arranged region of Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th Measurements can be made by means of one or more sensors to obtain information concerning the packaging tube in this area 13 to obtain existing gas content. For example, the pressure or oxygen content in the packaging tube 13 to be examined. However, it is also possible for example to carry out an ultrasound measurement or an optical measurement in order to determine the presence, the correct position and / or the distance of the individual objects 2 to check each other. The results of these measurements are via a measuring line 92 to an evaluation unit 95 transfer. The transmission can be done, for example, electrically or optically via a fiber optic cable. Alternatively, could through the measuring line 92 also directly gas from the packaging tube 13 through the gas adjustment device 8th be sucked through to the evaluation unit 95 to be analyzed by a sensor.

Based on the results of the evaluation unit 95 and / or on adjustment parameters, which by means of the operating and display elements 42 entered into the system can by means of a control unit 96 a regulation of the vacuum pump 93 and the gassing device 94 be made in the packaging tube 13 and especially in the packs 3 optimize prevailing gas content. The control unit 96 stands for this with the evaluation unit 95 , the fumigation device 94 and the vacuum pump 93 in connection. The wires 90 . 91 . 92 , the vacuum pump 93 , the fumigation device 94 and the units 95 . 96 Together form a Gaszuführ- and discharge device 9 ,

In the 4 is a partial view of the bag machine 5 in particular, the arrangement of the Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th inside the flow wrapper 5 is clearly recognizable. The packaging tube 13 and the pressing elements 56 are in the 4 omitted for illustration reasons. As already in relation to the 2 and 3 has been performed, is the Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th directly between the unheated pair of rollers 52 and the heated pair of rollers 53 arranged, which for Längsversieglung the packaging tube 13 serves. The insertion head 80 protrudes essentially parallel to the axes of rotation 520 . 530 and 540 the role pairs 52 . 53 and 54 upwards in the packaging tube 13 into it.

The gas adjustment device 8th here has a vacuum connection piece 810 as well as two connecting pieces 811 and 812 for the gas supply, which is substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction 6 horizontally between the pairs of rollers 52 and 53 extend outwards. Like from the 4 it can be seen, has the immediately after the first heatable pair of rollers 53 arranged preheating 57 a longitudinal slot which serves to the two longitudinal film edge portions 120 the packaging film 12 absorb, so that a pre-tempering of these film edge areas 120 in the preheating 57 is possible.

In the 4 are the contact elements 56 , which the longitudinal side edges of the film 120 the packaging film 12 at the insertion head 80 Press, not shown. The pressing elements 56 however, are in the 5 recognizable. The pressing elements 56 can as roles and / or as guide elements, such as. B. guide plates may be formed, which in particular in the conveying direction over the entire length of the insertion 80 can extend.

Like from the 5 is recognizable, limited the packaging tube 13 in the area of the gas adjustment device 8th along with the top of the insertion head 80 an interior sealed to the outside 7 in which the object to be packaged 2 is included.

In the 6 to 10 is a gas adjustment device 8th shown according to an inventive embodiment. The gas adjustment device 8th has a total here integrally formed insertion head 80 on, which for intervention in the packaging tube 13 transverse to the conveying direction 6 suitable is. The insertion head 80 has two lateral contact surfaces 800 on, which for the conditioning of the two longitudinal film edge areas 120 the packaging film 12 serve. Since the lateral contact surfaces 800 each in the conveying direction 6 uninterrupted over the entire length of the inserter 80 extend, is an opposite concern of the side surfaces of the packaging tube 13 at the insertion head 80 over the entire length of the insertion head 80 possible.

The insertion head 80 has a main portion, within which the two abutment surfaces 800 completely parallel to each other. Subsequent to this main section, a wedge-shaped section is in each case in the conveying direction as well as in the direction opposite to the conveying direction 801 arranged in which the lateral abutment surfaces 800 starting from the main section each wedge-shaped approach each other. The wedge-shaped sections 801 serve for spreading and subsequent merging of the side surfaces of the packaging tube 13 ,

Within the main section has the insertion head 80 a suction opening 802 as well as two gassing openings 804 and 805 on, which are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction. Here are in the conveying direction 6 the gassing openings 804 and 805 following the suction opening 802 arranged. The suction opening 802 as well as the gassing openings 804 and 805 are each formed as a slot, in the longitudinal direction of the insertion 80 or in the conveying direction has a substantially greater extent than perpendicular to it. The openings 802 . 804 and 805 each open in the region of a newly formed mouth surface 809 which is the top of the insertion head 80 forms. Because of two gassing openings 804 and 805 are present, is the distance of the gassing to the suction 802 or the surface of the entire effective gassing opening flexibly adjustable.

To aspirate air from the packaging tube 13 through the suction opening 802 even if there is an object to be packaged 2 directly in the area of the suction opening 802 is located and attracted by the vacuum, is the suction opening 802 laterally from an upwardly wavy formed mouth structure 806 limited.

Between the suction opening 802 and the gassing opening 804 has the insertion head 80 a circular sensor opening 803 which is suitable for receiving a sensor. This may be, for example, an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor for measuring the distance between the objects to be packaged 2 act.

In the right next to the suction opening 802 to the main section subsequent wedge-shaped section 801 is an additional gassing opening 807 provided, which compared to the gassing 804 and 805 is dimensioned many times smaller. The gassing opening 807 is used in particular for introducing gas in the conveying direction respectively directly in front of and behind the objects to be packed 2 , By means of this additional gassing opening 807 Can the efficiency, what the feeding gas into the packaging tube 13 to be improved.

In the direction of conveyance at the insertion 80 behind arranged wedge-shaped section 801 is a sensor opening 808 provided, which for measuring the oxygen content in the packaging tube 13 serves. The sensor opening 808 can be used to insert a sensor or to suck off gas, which is then passed to a sensor. Because of the sensor opening 808 in the conveying direction very close to the gas passage openings 802 . 804 and 805 in the event of a measurement result that does not meet the quality requirements, it is possible to react immediately and the package (s) concerned 3 for example by means of compressed air in the area of the conveyor belt 55 be sorted out. In the area of the conveyor belt 55 is therefore advantageous arranged a blow-out. Alternatively, of course, if necessary, the machine can be stopped immediately. In particular, it can be prevented that a large number of faulty packages are not produced until the measurement result is known and can be reacted.

At the bottom of the insertion head 80 is a distributor housing 81 attached, which is part of the Gaseinstellvorrichtung 8th forms. This distributor housing 81 has an air collection chamber 813 as well as gas collection chambers 814 and 815 on, in which the suction opening 802 or the gassing openings 804 and 805 lead. To an air extraction through the suction opening 802 and the air collection chamber 813 through is on the distributor housing 81 a vacuum nozzle 810 for connecting the vacuum line 90 provided, which in the air collection chamber 813 empties. Analogous to this are connecting pieces 811 and 812 provided, which for connecting gas supply lines 91 serve and in the gas collection chamber 814 respectively. 815 lead. Both the vacuum connection piece 810 as well as the connecting pieces 811 . 812 for the gas supply extend in each case substantially perpendicular to the lateral abutment surfaces 800 outwards in the area of the main section of the insertion head.

Downwards, ie on the insertion head 80 opposite side, the gas adjustment device 8th a bottom plate 817 on which the air collection chamber 813 as well as the gas collection chambers 814 and 815 seals downwards. At the bottom plate 817 are two additional connecting pieces 816 attached, which are perpendicular to baseplate 817 extend downwards. The first of these connecting pieces 816 which is in the 8th can be seen stands with the sensor opening 808 in connection. The second of these additional connecting pieces 816 is not recognizable in the figures. It extends parallel to the first connecting piece 816 down and stands with the gassing 807 in connection. The connecting pieces 816 are used to connect pipes, which with the gassing 807 or the sensor opening 808 keep in touch. By means of screws 818 is the bottom plate 817 from below on the distributor housing 81 attached.

Of course, the invention described herein is not limited to the mentioned embodiment, and a variety of modifications are possible. For example, the gas adjustment device could also have a smaller number of suction or gassing openings. For example, there could be only two gassing openings or only one gassing opening and one suction opening. However, there must be at least two openings which allow gas to pass through the insertion head. The two lateral abutment surfaces of the insertion head need not necessarily be arranged in a main portion parallel to each other. It would also be conceivable that the two wedge-shaped sections 801 connect directly to one another and the suction and / or gassing openings are arranged within these wedge-shaped sections. The lateral abutment surfaces of the insertion head could also each be inclined in the vertical direction. Instead of just a single object, it would also be possible to pack several objects together in one pack by means of the tubular bag machine. Furthermore, the Gaseinstellvorrichtung could also be used exclusively for sucking air from the packaging tube or exclusively for supplying gas into the packaging tube. In this case, the tubular bag machine could, in addition to the gas adjustment device, have a lance projecting into the packaging tube, which accomplishes the gassing or the air suction. Instead of continuously, the tubular bag machine can also be operated clocked. A variety of other modifications is conceivable.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• CH 436102 [0006]
• CH 610260 [0008]

Claims (15)

Flow wrap machine ( 5 ), which is in particular a horizontal bagging machine ( 5 ) and which are used to package objects ( 2 ) by means of a packaging film ( 12 ), comprising a conveyor ( 51 ) for transporting objects ( 2 ), which are for packaging by means of the flow wrapper ( 5 ) are provided, along a conveying direction ( 6 ); An institution ( 50 . 43 ) for producing in the conveying direction ( 6 ) extending packaging tube ( 13 ) from a packaging film ( 12 ); a longitudinal connection device ( 53 . 54 ) for producing a longitudinal connection of the packaging tube ( 13 ) along a longitudinal foil edge region ( 120 ) of the packaging film ( 12 ); a cross connection device ( 44 ) for the production of crosslinks in the packaging film ( 12 ) which extend substantially transverse to the longitudinal connection; and a gas adjustment device ( 8th ) with an insertion head ( 80 ) for engaging in the packaging tube ( 13 ) transversely to the conveying direction, wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) a first gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) for supplying or discharging a gas into or out of the packaging tube ( 13 ), characterized in that the insertion head ( 80 ) at least one second gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) for supplying or discharging a gas into or out of the packaging tube ( 13 ) having. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to claim 1, wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) in the conveying direction ( 6 ) extending longitudinal direction, and wherein the second gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 808 ) in the longitudinal direction following the first gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 ) is arranged. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to claim 2, wherein the first gas passage opening ( 802 ) for sucking air from the packaging tube ( 13 ), and wherein the second gas passage opening ( 804 . 805 . 808 ) for supplying gas into the packaging tube ( 13 ) serves. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) a first uninterrupted contact surface ( 800 ) and a second uninterrupted contact surface ( 800 ), wherein the first abutment surface ( 800 ) for creating a first side surface ( 120 ) of the packaging tube ( 13 ) and the second abutment surface ( 800 ) for creating a second, the first side surface ( 120 ) opposite side surface ( 120 ) of the packaging tube ( 13 ), and wherein the first gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) and the second gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) between these two uninterrupted contact surfaces ( 800 ) are arranged. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to claim 4, wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) has a main portion, within which the first abutment surface ( 800 ) and the second abutment surface ( 800 ) extend substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the first gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) and the second gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) are arranged in this main section. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) a first wedge-shaped section ( 801 ) within which the first abutment surface ( 800 ) and the second abutment surface ( 800 ) in the longitudinal direction approach each other wedge-shaped, and / or a second wedge-shaped portion ( 801 ) within which the first abutment surface ( 800 ) and the second abutment surface ( 800 ) in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction direction approach each other wedge-shaped. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) and / or the second gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) is formed as a slot, which in the longitudinal direction of the insertion ( 80 ) has a much larger extent than perpendicular to it. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) in addition to the first and the second gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) at least one third gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) having. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) for sucking gas from the packaging tube ( 13 ) and from an orifice structure ( 806 ) is limited, which in the direction of the first gas passage opening ( 802 ) is uneven. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) a continuous, substantially flat mouth surface ( 809 ) within which both the first gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) as well as the second gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) open to the outside. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) at least one sensor for measuring the gas properties in the packaging tube ( 13 ) having. Flow wrap machine ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular bag machine ( 5 ) a control unit ( 96 ), which is adapted to a by the Gaseinstellvorrichtung ( 8th ) flowing gas supply and / or discharge as a function of the packing volume and / or the properties of the objects to be packaged ( 2 ) and / or the conveyor settings of the conveyor ( 51 ) and / or values supplied by sensors on the gas adjustment device ( 8th ) to be optimized. Gas adjustment device ( 8th ) for a particular horizontal tubular bag machine ( 5 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12 for adjusting the gas content of packages ( 3 ), which by means of the bagging machine ( 5 ) from a packaging tube ( 13 ), comprising an insertion head ( 80 ) for lateral engagement in the packaging tube ( 13 ), wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) a first gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) for supplying or discharging a gas into or out of the packaging tube ( 13 ), characterized in that the insertion head ( 80 ) at least one second gas passage opening ( 802 . 804 . 805 . 807 . 808 ) for supplying or discharging a gas into or out of the packaging tube ( 13 ) having. Gas adjustment device ( 8th ) according to claim 13, wherein the insertion head ( 80 ) Berths ( 800 ) for the creation of side surfaces ( 120 ) of the packaging tube ( 13 ), wherein the contact surfaces ( 800 ) continuously over approximately the entire length of the insertion head ( 80 ). Method for adjusting the gas content of packages ( 3 ), which by means of a tubular bag machine ( 5 ), in particular a tubular bag machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, from a conveying in a conveying direction of the packaging tube ( 13 ), with one by the packaging tube ( 13 ) formed side opening through gas from the packaging tube ( 13 ) is discharged, and at the same time gas through the same lateral opening in the packaging tube ( 13 ) is introduced.

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